1. Internet Fraud
By: Noelle Woodman

2. What is Internet Fraud?
Internet Fraud is a crime in which the perpetrator develops a scam using different elements of the Internet to steal a persons property or any interest, estate, or right. Crooks do this by a false representation of a matter of fact, which is done by lying altogether and giving false information or only giving part of the truth.

3. Current Scams
Cyber Criminals Using Photo-Sharing Programs to Compromise Computers: Scammers advertise a product they are selling but will not provide pictures. If requested they will send a link with pictures that leads the person to an online photo gallery in which often contain malicious software that infects the victim’s computer. This will then lead the victim to be redirected to fake websites that look like the real one they originally saw the product on. After the victim has finally purchased the product the scammer will stop corresponding with the victim meaning they will never receive their product they purchased.

4. Current Scams
Smartphone Users Should be Aware of Malware Targeting Mobile Devices and Safety Measures to Help Avoid Compromise: Loozfon and FinFisher are two types of malware that attack android operating systems. Loozfon steals information. Criminals use several different ways to lure the victim such as work-at-home opportunity which promises the victim to be payed just for sending out an . A link within the advertisements leads to a website that is designed to push Loozfon onto the user’s device. The malicious application steals contact details from the user’s contact list and the infected mobile device’s phone number. FinFisher spys on the persons mobile device that is infected and can control the device from wherever its at. Is easily transmitted to a device from a specific web link or a mass spam text requiring a system update. Both these two malicious applications compromise the user’s mobile device.

5. Tips For Avoiding Fraud
Photo-Sharing Programs to Compromise Computers safety tips:
Scan files before downloading them to your computer.
Be cautious if the price for the item you’d like to buy is severely undervalued; if it is, the item is likely fraudulent.
Make sure websites are secure and authenticated before you purchase an item online. Use only well-known escrow services.
Malware Targeting Mobile Devices and Safety Measures to Help Avoid Compromise safety tips:
When purchasing a smartphone, know the features of the device, including the default settings. Turn off features of the device not needed to minimize the attack surface of the device.
Put a passcode on your phone to protect your mobile device.
Avoid clicking on or otherwise downloading software or links from unknown sources.

6. Relevant Statistics
Online auction fraud was the most reported type of fraud and accounted for 44.9% of consumers’ complaints
About 70% of the fraud victims were scammed through www (e.g. online auctions)
About 30% of the fraud victims were scammed by s
Non-delivered merchandise and/or payment made up 19.0% of complaints
Check fraud represented 4.9% of complaints

7. Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Fraud
Q. I purchased an item from an online retailer or auction web site and never received the item or the item was not accurately represented. Should I file a complaint with the internet fraud complaint center?
A. Yes, this is the type of fraud that should be reported to the internet fraud complaint center ( ) and a local police report is not needed.
Q. Someone used my credit card without my knowledge or permission to make purchases online or transfer money, should I make a report to the local police or file a complaint with the internet fraud complaint center ?
A. This is an identity theft and a local police report must be made. This is not an incident that should be reported to the internet fraud complaint center.

8. Citations http://www.fraud.org/
blog.therealcostarica.com
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